STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.—Three years in, Redemption Cafe on Forest Avenue is carving out its place in Staten Island’s coffee scene with handmade syrups, fresh‑brewed coffee and a welcoming atmosphere that extends well beyond its faith‑based beginnings.
The café at 572 Forest Ave., once the Mustard Seed and, before that, a vape shop, is owned by Vincent Funaro with business partner Pierre Rueca, who leads the culinary side.
“Redemption Cafe has two meanings,” Funaro said during a recent visit. “A lot of us know each other from church, and the former name was the Mustard Seed. The idea was that from the mustard seed grows Redemption Cafe. Now we’re here, and our mission is to redeem the coffee culture on Staten Island by giving excellent drinks, very delicious food, and a vibe you can’t get anywhere else.”
Unlike chain coffee shops, Redemption Cafe brews each cup of regular coffee to order, a three-to-five-minute process that ensures freshness. The café also makes all of its flavor syrups from scratch, including caramel, vanilla, cinnamon and pistachio. Seasonal flavors rotate monthly; raspberry peppercorn is currently featured.
“One of our main things is homemade flavors and syrups,” Funaro said. “If you order a caramel latte, your caramel is made from scratch. Every drink has the same exact measurements. We’re not rushing through drinks like a major chain would.”
The food menu includes a signature take on the classic New York bacon, egg and cheese, featuring a cheese French omelette with cheddar, bacon and sriracha ketchup on a croissant. Customers can also choose sourdough or pumpernickel bread. The café offers muesli topped with agave and fresh fruit, along with weekend sandwich specials…